Understanding Cholestasis: Types, Symptoms, and Treatment Options
Abstract
The liver is the largest organ in the human body located in the right upper abdomen just beneath the cage of ribs. It is basic machinery to filtrate all the blood in the body and break drugs and alcohol. The liver is a production house of Bile, a fluid that helps to digest fats and drain out the wastes from the body. The liver has four lobes each having 8 sections and several small lobules. Albumin production, bile production, blood filtration, vitamins as well as minerals storage, and amino acid regulation are some of the most essential functions of the liver. Any pathological change, obstruction, etc may lead to stunted functioning of the liver. Cholestasis is one such problem associated with reduced bile flow. Here in this article, we will discuss Cholestasis in detail with its ayurvedic aspect.
Introduction
Cholestasis is a liver disease associated with stagnation or reduction in bile secretion and flow. It can be due to an impairment in the functionality of hepatocytes with associated obstruction. It occurs when the bile flow from your liver is reduced or blocked. Alteration of bile flow leads to accumulation of Bilirubin. In cholestasis, bile accumulates in the hepatic parenchyma. Hence biliary obstruction is one of the most common causes of obstructive cholestasis. Blockage in the ductal system and disturbances in the formation of bile are the conditions associated with cholestasis.
Cholestasis is of two types
1. Intrahepatic Cholestasis
Intrahepatic cholestasis originates within the liver. The prime causes of this type of Cholestasis are hepatobiliary infections, ductal anomalies, endocrine dysfunction, long-term use of drugs, Ischemia, or any kind of sepsis. The other factors responsible for Intrahepatic cholestasis are cystic fibrosis, pregnancy, or chronic heart failure.
2. Extrahepatic Cholestasis
Extrahepatic cholestasis originates outside the liver, so-called extrahepatic. It can be caused by Biliary atresia, a tumor in the duct, and cholelithiasis (gallstones). The other factors responsible are carcinoma, pancreatitis, or cholangiocarcinoma.
Symptoms
The main symptoms of Cholestasis are as follows–
- Jaundice is the main clinical feature of Cholestasis.
- Pale or dark-colored urine.
- Light-colored stool.
- Abdominal pain.
- Nausea and headache.
- Extrahepatic cholestasis is caused by a physical barrier to the bile ducts. Blockages from things like gallstones, cysts, and tumors restrict bile flow.
- Itching.
Diagnosis
Following tests can be done to check the status of the liver and to find out the associated concerns-
- Liver function test
- Complete blood count
- Endoscopic retrograde cholangiography
- CT scan test
- Magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography
Ayurvedic Aspect
In Ayurveda, the liver is called Yakrit. It is the main organ for the chayaphchaya (metabolism). Cholestasis can be correlated with Shakha ashrit Kamla in Ayurveda. It is connected to the raktvaha strotas (channels of blood) of the body which means it is made from the rakta dhatu (blood). Any obstruction in the rakta vaha srotas can lead to the obstruction of the bile. Kamla is a state of increased bilirubin in the body as per Ayurveda. The stool or urine becomes light yellow or dark. Aggravation of Vata and Kapha dosha is associated in Shakhashrit Kamla or we can say shakhashrit Kamla is Vata/Kapha Pradhan. It is described in Charak Samhita with a beautiful Shloka/Formula. C.S.CHIKITSA 16/124-128. The core of shloka says that excessive consumption of rough, cold, heavy, sweet products, etc leads to the aggravation of Vata and Kapha. Vata associated with Kapha and expelled Pitta from its site. This results in a variety of symptoms like yellow discoloration of the eyes, urine, constipation, and heaviness in the epigastric region. The patient passes a stool of sesamum-paste stool like sesamum paste due to obstruction of the flow of pitta to the kostha by Kapha. The line of treatment according to Ayurveda is Kapha pacifying therapies or herbs and side by side to aggravate the Pitta. It will lead to bringing the pitta to the kostha from the shakha.
Herbal remedies by Planet Ayurveda for Cholestasis
Planet Ayurveda is a GMP-certified hub company for the manufacturing of herbal medicines for the betterment of humanity and to promote Ayurveda in each and every household. The herbal formulations are based on the classical Principles of Ayurveda.
- Liver Detox
- Yakritplihantak Churna
- Livoplan Syp
- Arogyavardhini Vati
- Ajmodadi Churna
- Amrit Dhara
- Jamun Powder
Product description
1. Liver Detox Liver Detox Formula
Liver Detox Liver Detox Formula as the name indicates is a formulation to detoxify the liver. The chief ingredients of this Polyherbal formulation are Kutki – Picrorrhiza kurrao ( Picrorhiza kurroa), Punarnava (Boerrhavia diffusa) (Boerhavia diffusa), Kalmegh (Andrographis paniculata) (Boerhavia diffusa), Makoy (Solanum Indicum) (Solanum Indicum), Kaasni (Chicorium intybus), (Cichorium intybus), Jhavuka (Tamarix gallica) (Tamarix gallica), Himsra (Capparis spinosa) (Capparis spinosa), Haritaki (Terminalia chebula)(Terminalia chebula). These ingredients help to make Liver Detox Liver Detox Formula a potent combination to drain out the harmful toxins from the body and help to regenerate the liver. Liver Detox Liver Detox Formula helps to manage biliary obstruction also hence it can be helpful for the management of Cholestasis.
Dosage – 1 capsule twice daily, with plain water, after meals.
2.Yakrit Plihantak Churna
Yakrit Plihantak Churna is a polyherbal formulation of Planet Ayurveda. The chief ingredients of Yakrit Plihantak churna are Bhumi Amla (Phyllanthus niruri), Bhringraj (Eclipta alba), Kalmegh (Andrographis paniculata), Sharpunkha (Tephrosia purpurea), Kaasni (Cichorium intybus). This churna helps to improve digestion, help get healthy stools and regenerate liver cells. Yakrit Plihantak churna is also beneficial to recover the loss of liver cells occurring due to long-term drug intake or alcohol intake. So it helps to enhance the overall recovery of the liver and is useful in the management of liver conditions associated.
Dosage–1 teaspoonful twice daily with warm water after meals.
3. Livoplan syp Livo Plan Syrup
Livoplan Syrup Livo Plan Syrup is the Polyherbal formulation of Planet Ayurveda. This polyherbal syrup is loaded with Bhringraj (Eclipta alba)(Eclipta alba), Kalmegh (Andrographis paniculata)(Andrographis paniculata), Shyonak (Oroxylum Indicum) (Oroxylum Indicum), Rohitaka (Tecomella undulata)(Tecomella undulata), Bhumi amla (Phyllanthus niruri)(Tecomella undulata), Trayamana (Gentiana kurroo), Patol (Trichosanthes dioica), Ghrit Kumari (Aloe barbadensis), Pitpapda (Fumaria indica), Sharpunkha (Tephrosia purpurea). This syrup helps to make hepatocytes (liver cells) healthy and helps to manage the status of cholestasis. Livoplan helps to drain out toxins and reduce the level of free radicals in the body.
Dosage–2 tsp twice daily with plain water after meals.
4. Arogyavardhini Vati
Arogyavardhini vati is a classical polyherbal formulation formulated by Planet Ayurveda on the basis of the Classical Ayurvedic Texts. It is loaded with Shuddha Parada (Herbal purified Mercury), Shuddha Gandhaka (Herbal purified Sulphur), Loha Bhasma (Bhasmacalyx prepared from Iron), Abhraka Bhasma (Purified and processedCalyx of Mica), Tamra Bhasma (Bhasma Calyx prepared from Copper), Haritaki (Terminalia chebula)(Terminalia chebula), Vibhitaki (Terminalia bellirica) (Terminalia bellirica), Amalaki (Emblica Officinalis) (Emblica Officinalis). Arogyavardhini vati of Planet Ayurveda is helpful to manage excessive itching and fever in Cholestasis.
Dosage – 2 tablets twice daily with plain water after meals.
5. Ajmodadi Churna
Ajmodadi churna of Planet Ayurveda is composed of Ajmoda (Apium graveolens)(Apium graveolens), Haridra (Curcuma longa)(Curcuma longa), Amla (Emblica Officinalis)(Emblica Officinalis), Yavkasharyavakshar(Hordeum vulgare)(Hordeum vulgare), Chitrakmool (Plumbago zeylanica)(Plumbago zeylanica). This churna helps to improve digestion and stabilize the digestive fire. Also, it helps to reduce the gas formation in various liver problems. Ajmodadi churna helps to manage nausea, anorexia, and loss of appetite associated with Cholestasis.
Dosage – 1/2 tsp twice with warm water.
6.Amrit Dhara
Amrit Dhara is an ayurvedic herbal formulation. The key ingredients of Amrit Dhara are Ajowan Ajwain (Trachyspermum ammi) Extract, Pudina (Mint) Extract, Clove Oil, Camphor, and Eucalyptus Oil. Amritdhara Pocket Doctor acts as first aid at home for all children and adults. It is a helpful remedy for treating diarrhea, indigestion, gas, and stomach ache. It helps to manage the condition of gas, bloating, and poor digestion in case of Cholestasis.
Dosage– 2 drops twice daily with plain water after meals.
7. Jamun Churna
The Jamun churna of Planet Ayurveda is an authentic and result-oriented formulation of Planet Ayurveda. The ingredient of this herbal churna is a natural extract of Jamun (Syzygium cumini). Jamun (Syzygium cumini)(Syzygium cumini) is a type of berry fruit. This fruit is abundant in regions of South Asia. It is mentioned in classical texts of Ayurveda like Charak And Susruta. It is evident in various research that Jamun fruit has the ability to inhibit cyclooxygenase activity. Cyclooxygenase is an enzyme that is responsible for or plays a role in inflammation. Hence inhibition of this enzyme may prevent hepatic inflammation. Antioxidant compounds which are there in Jamun help to manage the inflammation of the liver or fibrosis in cholestasis.
Dosage – 1 teaspoonful twice daily with plain water after the meals.
CONTACT PLANET AYURVEDA TO PROVIDE YOU THE COSTING / ORDERING AND DELIVERY INFORMATION AT – COSTING.PLANETAYURVEDA@GMAIL.COM OR CALL AT +91-172-5214040
Conclusion
Cholestasis is a stagnation of the bile flow associated with obstruction. As we have discussed above it can cause a variety of problems. The herbal products discussed above help to manage the condition of cholestasis. These herbs are hepatoprotective in action and promote good liver health. The combination of herbs is based on the principle of treatment as we have discussed above. Thus using these herbal remedies in cholestasis may help to manage the condition and also help to prevent the human body from the side effects of synthetic molecules.
